Hotel Minella was the venue for a great gathering of people from the parish of Clerihan and beyond on Friday, March 24th. Those lucky enough to secure a ticket for the sell-out event were treated to a wonderful night of music and song in honour of Fr Ailbe O’Bric, P.P..

All of the acts were from Clerihan and it’s greater community and Fr Ailbe, who has a great love of music, would have mentored almost all of the extremely talented young people who provided the entertainment. It was gratifying for him to see the same young people, who first entertained the public in St Michaels Church in various children’s’ choirs, traditional and folk groups, now confidently take the stage and provide entertainment of the very best quality and to professional standards.

Many tributes were made to the ever popular Fr Ailbe on the night. He has selflessly served unassisted as Parish Priest of Clerihan for seventeen years and he is now ably assisted by Fr Enda Brady who divides his time between Rosegreen and Clerihan. Fr Ailbe is not just a spiritual leader in Clerihan; he is also a community activist, a school patron and benefactor of all local initiatives, whether sporting, cultural, artistic or social and above all a very good and available friend to all. It is only when people exchange their stories that we hear of Ailbe’s unstinting service as friend, confidant and priest to all in the Parish and wider community.

As long-time Chairperson of the “Community Council” he has overseen the purchase and on-going development of the local Community Park. The Park provides facilities for local sporting clubs, a playground, lighted walkway and all weather pitch with plans for further development. Without Ailbe’s guiding hand, it is highly unlikely that we would have such a facility. Similarly, during his tenure as Chairperson of Clerihan N.S. Board of Management, the school has gone through much expansion and development and now enjoys facilities which are the envy of many.

The whole community made a big effort to show their loyalty and support for Fr Ailbe. The calibre and quality of each and every performance will truly make it a night for all to remember. Much gratitude must go to all the work put in by the organising committee who put together the beautiful evening’s entertainment. A special thanks to the performers, accompanists and musical directors whose preparation and commitment were outstanding. The Minella Hotel was the perfect venue for the event. Compliments to Liz & John Nallen and staff, who were without doubt, the most obliging and professional hosts on the night.

A DVD of the night will be available from any of the Committee Members, and all proceeds from the evening will go towards Fr Ailbe’s medical needs with any surplus funds donated to the Motor Neurons Society of Ireland.

The link below to the programme for the night gives details of all those who participated and the back page pays tribute to our great friend Fr. Ailbe.